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Jordans Estate Glamping

100%
·
· Ilminster, England
3 acres
4 units
4 Glamping
Two shepherds huts and a pair of pods set on a West Somerset estate close to the Somerset Levels and in sight of the Blackdown Hills

Situated on the edge of the Somerset Levels, the historic Jordans Estate is the tranquil setting for Rich and Em Speke’s private luxury glamping experience. Comprising two self-contained shepherd's huts and, in summertime – two pods, this adults-only retreat is the perfect destination for couples seeking solace from the frenetic modern world.

There’s a calm and leisurely pace to life on the Estate. Most of the time, your nearest neighbours are the deer that emerge from the 100 acre woodland to the dew-drenched fields at dawn. A former dairy farm, the cows have given way to a scattering of sheep and agrarian fields of seasonal crops. So for any city slickers yearning for an authentic slice of rural life, this is the real deal.

While suitably rustic in setting, the shepherds huts themselves are a masterclass in comfort having been handcrafted on site by the esteemed Blackdown Shepherds Hut Company. A double bed, fully-equipped kitchen, en suite bathroom (with toilet and shower), and wood-burning stove sees to it that guests want for nothing, and yes that means there's a wood-burning hot tub outside. Extra touches like board games and maps of local walks show an admirable attention to detail. And with the Blackdown Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) tantalisingly visible from the comfort of the cabins, the latter will be put to good use. A similar amount of care has gone into making the summer-only Landpods equally enjoyable places to stay but the set up is slightly different. These are cosy cocoons for sleeping in and each has its own hot tub – but a shower, loo and camp kitchen are shared between the two.

Though the grand Georgian mansion may be long gone, there are vestiges of its stately past everywhere, such as the ornamental walled garden, stable block, lakeside grotto, and the quaintly named Gingerbread Cottage, house of the former head gardener. Your helpful hosts can fill you in on the history and are more than happy to offer guided walks around the grounds. And what grounds they are, with innumerable trails to explore and wildlife to spot. As gorgeous as this place is in the full bloom of spring with bluebells enlivening the forest floor, the fiery autumn colours and January snowdrops make a winter’s woodland walk just as appealing, safe in the knowledge, of course, that the wood-fire warmed cosy confines of the hut awaits.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Natural features
Field
Farm
Available pitches
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Location
Ilminster, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Rich & Em S.Joined in October 2017
100%
23 Ratings · 27 reviews
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Donna L.recommends
November 27, 2022
Livingstone
What lovely people!!
We haven't even stayed there yet but were due this weekend. Unfortunately, my husband was unwell so we thought we'd lose our money but Rick and Em very kindly said we could rearrange at no further cost. So, so kind.
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Anna A.recommends
November 6, 2022
Stanley
Glancing in Shepards Hut
Absolutely stunning Hut! Everything was absolutely spot on. Very friendly also, knew if needed anything they were there to lend a hand. Quiet grounds so absolutely great for relaxing. Was a great weekend and will 100 percent be back! Unbelievably great value for money!
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Sebastian D.recommends
September 25, 2022
Livingstone
Magical Place to Relax
This place is just magical. Very peaceful and well located. Definitely I would recommend this place to my friends and family. The owners are lovely. The Livingston Hut is a perfect place that you can just disconnect and relax, the hot tub was great, very easy and relatively quick to warm up. We are going to come back for sure. Sebastian & Barbara
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Tay H.recommends
August 21, 2022
Stanley
Amazing stay! Highly recommend!
Amazing stay! Em and Rich were so accommodating and lovely! We had a small problem when we first got there and Rich was so quick to sort it out and so apologetic! Beautiful little hut with everything you need! The bed is super comfy and the wood fired hot tub was lovely! Perfect location. Can’t wait to go back again in winter time. 😍
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Alice B.recommends
June 12, 2022
Livingstone
We had an amazing time in the Livingstone hut, it's lovely and decorated so nicely with a lot provided for you :) The hot tub is fab, once it's warmed up it keeps hot for ages needing very little wood to top up. The setting is lovely, we saw greenfinches, woodpeckers, and a nuthatch, and a baby robin kept visiting near our hut tub! Nice area around as well, we would definitely visit again.
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Louise K.recommends
January 23, 2022
Stanley
All I can say is wow what a fantastic little trip away me and my partner had a lovely time here stanley was the perfect shepards hut for us and had everything that we needed also the hot tub was amazing as well 😊😊😊 We can't wait to go back and stay there again
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Libby C.recommends
January 11, 2022
Livingstone
Really nice area, the shepherds hut was cosy but spacious, had good facilities. Near by places to eat and explore. Overall was a lovely weekend and would recommend! Some downsides is that the hot tub did take a good 2.5/3 hours to warm up as it is a wood fire one and didn’t feel warm when it reached 37 degrees but it was nice. The wood fire did make the room smell of smoke and it did cover our clothes but a simple wash got the smell out.
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Rosanna W.recommends
September 17, 2021
Stanley
A relaxing break to celebrate a birthday and anniversary. Stanley was stunning - well fitted out, clever layout and storage, cosy, and immaculately clean. Hosts were very friendly with great communication, and provided us with clear instructions on how to use everything, e.g. the amazing wood fired hot tub! Brilliant location for exploring Somerset - we enjoyed wonderful days out to Cheddar Gorge and Glastonbury Tor.
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Helen B.recommends
July 18, 2021
Stanley
Stanley was beautifully done to a very high standard. Very relaxing break with all we needed. Hosts were very helpful and friendly. Great location for exploring Somerset by car. Clear instruction left for how to use all amenities. Hot tub very simple to use. Fabulous and will definitely recommend and we shall be returning.
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Laura B.recommends
June 29, 2021
Stanley
My boyfriend and I booked 'Stanley' for 3 nights for our anniversary and graduation celebrations. The Shepherd's hut was beautifully designed, and a really comfortable nights sleep! We loved the hot tub- it was private, and very easy to get going, staying warm into the next mornings. We had a guided tour of the estate with Rich and the dogs, which was fascinating and we couldn't believe how beautiful the it all was. We explored Ilminster, Exeter and some local walks- even kayaking along the canal near Bridgewater. The details we received prior to our visit were comprehensive and full of ideas for things to do, as well as instructions which were useful. We were really impressed with our whole stay, and would thoroughly recommend the huts to anyone!
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Michelle B.recommends
June 22, 2021
Livingstone
Myself and my husband stayed for our wedding anniversary, was supposed to be in March but due to Covid had to move it forward which was done with ease! Arrived to a spotless hut, and was so surprised with all the amenities had everything you needed!! Rich helped us with a couple of things and was very helpful and loved saying hello to his two dogs who were very friendly. Hot tub was lovely and warm once heated and a welcome fixture enjoyed with a couple bottles of Prosecco! And didn’t take long the next day to reheat, even enjoyed in the rain. Bed was already made up and was so comfy. Went on a walk and visited a couple of pubs in Horton and Broadway. A much needed break and stress free and we will be returning for a definite! Thank you 😊
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Fraser S.recommends
June 10, 2021
Livingstone
We were very fortunate with the weather, hot and sunny all weekend, stayed 2 nights for Friday to Sunday. Friends had stayed last September in one of the huts and love it, so we arranged a weekend with them using both shepherds huts, great fun, we loved it. I am disabled and the owner Ed has kindly added a handrail to the Livingstone Shepherds Hut making climbing the stairs much easier. The hut was spotless , well equipped, bed comfortable. we sat by a roaring log fire both evenings, well after the sun went down, the hot tub was used then, we used the pizza oven on the Saturday night. There is clear instructions prior to staying how to work everything. The location is lovely, on a field around the corner from the farm, loads of birds visiting and ate from the bird feeders, including a woodpecker! we had lunch on the Friday before arriving to the George, Doyatt in Illminster which was delicious food, landlady lovely too. We went to Lyme Regis on the Saturday, about 40 minutes drive. I would highly recommend it, out first glamping experience, great fun doing it with friends using both shepherds huts, we will definitely return.
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Julia B.recommends
October 13, 2020
Stanley
Like so many other single women I was desperate for a break when I chanced upon this. I booked 3 nights and enjoyed walking, reading and bird watching. The owls can be a bit noisy at night! Breakfast at the cafe on Sunday was delicous. Do bring an os map with you, hard to get your bearings without. I didn't bother with the hot tub but enjoyed a pamper spa and sauna afternoon indoors. The little wood stove is very efficient. Came home refreshed, tested and ready for the final chapter in a testing year. Thanks Em and Richard for your patience!!
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Darren P.
October 5, 2020
Best 2 nights away of 2020! Though the weather wasn’t the best, this did not dampen our fun. The shepherds hut was amazing, clean, very comfortable with everything you would need. Our hosts were very friendly and nothing was to much trouble. The hot tub was in constant use, great fun relaxing in even while the rain came down, a great experience! Will definitely visit again, a great couple nights away to relax and hide away!
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Chloe W.recommends
September 28, 2020
Livingstone
I recently stayed in one of the shepherd's huts for two nights, the only thing wrong was that I hadn't booked a third - it was absolutely perfect! Inside the hut there's everything you could need, we didn't venture too far into Ilminster as the weather was so nice, so we just sat outside the hut all afternoon or took a dip in the hot tub. Information and instructions were provided in advance via email, which was really helpful to refer back to. We loved it so much we've already agreed to go back again next year. Thanks for having us!
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Natasha F.
September 22, 2020
Recently stayed in the Livingstone shepherds hut, had a wonderful short break. The hut in itself is absolutely beautiful and all the facilities around the hut easy accessible. Beautiful location and very peaceful, close to the coast, Perfect location. Highly recommend this to couples of any age preference, it’s a nice get away, great value for money. Over all thoroughly enjoyed myself and would return again.
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Leanne ?.
August 18, 2020
We enjoyed a 2 night stay in the Livingstone hut over the weekend This was mine and my husbands first glamping experience and we both really enjoy it . We literally cannot find a thing to fault about this holiday. The hut was so well equipped and the peaceful countryside surroundings were just what we needed to unwind . We will definitely be returning and would recommend this to anybody We ate out at ‘The Barrington Boar’ pub which we would highly recommend also and we visited Lyme Regis which was around 50 mins away from the sight but is well worth a visit We really didn’t want to come home 🙁
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Diane M.
August 11, 2020
Stayed 3 nights in Stanley hut and had a really relaxing break. The hut is really well designed and fitted out to a high spec. The hot tub is great, but keep an eye on the fire when first lit to make sure it really gets going. Ilminster is a short drive away and we did a couple of nice walks in the surrounding countryside. Would certainly recommend.
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George ?.recommends
November 25, 2019
Stanley
Stayed at this charming little hut for 2 nights in November. There is a hard standing car park and then a short walk on a country path to the hut. The hut is in a field, so some outdoor shoes/boots are recommended if the weather is poor. The hut is decorated and provided to a very high standard, wooden stove, induction hub, electric shower, high quality plates, pans, etc Outside there is a picnic table and fire pit, which also serves as an oven and grill. The fire pit was thoughtfully pre-prepared to light with firelighter, logs and kindling already set up. I thought that was a really nice gesture from our hosts. Behind some privacy screening is a massive wooden hot tub which I used to soak my troubles away. The only slight negative is that the site is near a busy road, this won't spoil your view at all, but you can hear the traffic passing. Highly recommended and I would stay again.
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Adam C.recommends
October 21, 2019
Stanley
We have just got back from such a lovely weekend. We stayed in “Stanley” and he lived up to the expectations and reviews that we had read prior to going. On arrival and walking up to the hut you just knew that this was everything you were looking for in a weekend break. As soon as the doors were open we were impressed, the decor and interior was perfect. Stanley had character and the small touches really made us feel welcome. The sign saying the light was behind us made us smile, we couldn’t help but look for the plates and a knife to cut in to the cake that was tasty and much deserved after a few hours of driving. The lemon cake was superb and then we were met by Em. She was lovely and welcoming, friendly, gave us instruction on the hot tub/fire pit. Em told us about the estate, things to do and not to hesitate in knocking if we needed anything. We got the fires lit and enjoyed a pizza on the first night as we came prepared. The hot tub was incredible although we struggled on first night to get it hot. My advice would be to light it right away and look after it! The shower was perfect after a quick run back inside and we had ample space to get ready for bed. I was super impressed with the mechanics of the hut and with the pull of a strap the dining room became the bed. Being 6 foot 5 I didn’t have any problems with the bed and we had plenty of room for a good nights sleep. Stanley was warm and snug. It was amazing waking up and seeing pheasants walking around, cows nearby, robins saying hello and birds on the feeder. Saturday we went to the nearby Jordans Estate, had a look around the shop and then ate best Cheese Toastie ever @ The Kitchen. A quick trip to Tesco Ilminster to stock on some supplies and we were back in the hut. On Saturday night the stars were out in force for a meteor shower. We enjoyed the views of the universe from the hot tub with a beverage at hand and then another great nights sleep. On Sunday morning as we were leaving we were met by Em, as hosts they were perfect. We were left to our own devices but they were there if you needed anything. We left feeling that another night was needed because it was so comfortable and we will definitely be returning. Thank you so much. Adam and Jo
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Hugh H.recommends
October 14, 2019
Livingstone
We had a lovely two night stay in the Livingstone Hut, on Jordans Estate. It was a fantastic find, with great accommodation in a peaceful setting. The hosts, Rich and Em, were fantastic....helpful, friendly and informative....left us to our own devices, but safe in the knowledge they were on hand should we need them. The hut itself was perfectly appointed and kitted out for what we needed, and everything that was included was to the highest specification. We really enjoyed the wood-fired hot tub, which gave us a bit of pampering whilst nestled in the quiet, wooded countryside. We hope to return one day soon, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a little getaway!
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Jenny ?.
June 12, 2019
Charming little place with the perfect touches, cake on arrival, locally sourced complementaries. The pizza oven was a lovely touch and the hot tub was exactly what we needed to fully relax. The bed is super comfy too! Rich was a pleasure meeting us on arrival and was very accomodating. Loved playing tiny house for a weekend and would definitely recommend! Thank you
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Bob E.recommends
February 19, 2019
Stanley
This was our first glamping experience and it was fantastic! We were in Stanley Hut and it has such a great atmosphere to it. Inside you have everything you need and it has been crafted to such a high degree. The hot tub is amazing (give yourself a good amount of time to heat it up - about 2 hours or so) and the pizza oven was also a lot of fun (we brought some margarita bases and added some of our own toppings). Check the weather before coming in case it is raining and you can't use the pizza oven. We travelled to the National Trust's Dunster Castle & Water Mill which is about 50 mins drive North West of the hut. Great day out. The hut is very special, the hosts are very friendly and helpful and there was even a delicious lemon drizzle cake on arrival. Couldn't recommend it more!
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Paul J.recommends
October 22, 2018
Livingstone
As we arrived, I have to say I was at first surprised how close to the road we were - However - this immediately paled into insignificance the minute we were greeted and shown our hut! It was simply beautiful. The hut is spotlessly clean and furnished to a high (and very comfortable) standard, including a nice welcome pack of Tea/Coffee/Milk and Cake! We loved the Fire Pit, cooking outside 2 out of our 3 nights, but most of all loved the wood fired hot tub, gazing at the stars with a drink in hand! The owners were so friendly with nothing any bother, even keeping us stocked up with logs throughout our stay. I have already recommended this place to my family and friends and will most definitely return!
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Lucy G.recommends
October 9, 2018
Stanley
What an absolutely stunning shepherds hut, beautifully crafted and full of character. Couldn't have asked for more welcoming or friendly hosts. Relaxing in the hot tub underneath the stars was phenomenal, we even saw shooting stars! Our stay was made even more special by all the personal touches.
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Damian Q.
June 11, 2018
From the moment we arrived we could see what an amazing site this is that the owners care passionately about. Everything was catered for and for someone wanting to switch off this place ticks all the boxes. Will definitely be back.
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Alicia ?.
May 26, 2018
My boyfriend and I had an amazing time staying here. The huts are really well designed and new - We were very comfortable and enjoyed using the wooden hot tub at night. We met the host, Rich, on the first day and he was really welcoming and helpful. A tip: Bring your ingredients to make your own pizzas like we did :) Thank you again to Em and Rich
From the host
We offer a luxury country getaway for adults in our handcrafted oak shepherd huts nestled in the picturesque parkland of our historic family estate in Somerset. Sumptuously fitted out you can sit back in luxury and relax. We also offer 2 Glamping pods (June/July/August Only) with shared Shower/WC facilities and a shared Kitchen Shelter Fully self-catering with kitchen, bathroom and double bed our Shepherd huts ‘Stanley’ and 'Livingstone' are available all year around. You can see the changing seasons through the window whilst relaxing next to a wood-burning stove in winter or watch the sunset while sitting out cooking over the fire pit in Summer. Both have exclusive use, wood fired hot tubs and pizza ovens. Situated at the foot of the Blackdown Hills, near Ilminster, we are within easy reach of the Somerset Levels and Glastonbury, Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and Lyme Regis, Exmoor, Dartmoor and the North Devon Coast.
Nearby attractions
For walkers and cyclists, the Somerset Levels and Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are easily accessible from the Estate. The latter are visible from the window of the hut and can be explored via the 30km Here Path Trail, while the former's unique landscape is an important habitat for a diverse range of birdlife – be sure to check out the nearby RSPB reserves. A 45 minute drive will get you to the world-famous Jurassic Coast the highlights of which include picturesque Lulworth Cove and Lyme Regis. The awe-inspiring national parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor are also both under an hour away. Historic sites worth a visit include the ruins of Muchelney Abbey, the medieval Priest's House, Muchelney and, of course, slightly further afield lies the iconic Stonehenge. 
Food and drink
Nearby Ilminster and its environs are quite the foodie hub with the Thursday market hosting of range of local produce stalls, as well as the award-winning butchers Bonners (01460 52465). West Country cheeses can be found at Silver Street Dairy (01460 52502) and seasonal fruit and veg at Mike’s Greengrocers (01460 52304). Brown & Forrest Smokery (01458 250875) is an essential stop on the gastro trail, stocking the finest smoked delicacies in their onsite shop and restaurant. Scrumpy fans should seek out Perry's Cider Mill (01460 55195) in Dowlish Wake or, for something a little stronger, there's the Somerset Cider Brandy Company (01460 240 782) in Hambridge. For the pick of the local pubs, just ask Richard and Em. The Five Dials Inn (01460 55359) and The Barrington Boar (01460 259 281) are personal favourites, while the multi-award winning Lord Poulett Arms (01460 73149) in Hinton-St-George balances sophisticated dining with its authentic West Country inn setting.  Enjoy a perfect breakfast, coffee or lunch at the nearby Jordans Courtyard.
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